Publisher's Synopsis
Shamela is a satirical novel written by Henry Fielding in 1741. It is a parody of Samuel Richardson's novel Pamela, which was a popular novel at the time. Fielding's novel follows the same basic plot as Pamela, but with a twist. The main character, Shamela, is a servant girl who is determined to marry her master, Mr. Booby, and will stop at nothing to achieve her goal. However, unlike Pamela, Shamela is not a virtuous and innocent young woman. She is cunning, manipulative, and uses her sexuality to get what she wants. The novel is written in the form of letters and journal entries, and is filled with humor, irony, and social commentary. Fielding uses the novel to criticize the popular literature of the time, which he believed was promoting false values and morals. Shamela is also a commentary on the role of women in society, and the way they were often treated as objects to be used and discarded. Overall, Shamela is a witty and entertaining novel that provides a unique perspective on the literature and society of the 18th century. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of literature and the social issues of the time.Full Title: An Apology for the Life of Mrs. Shamela Andrews. In which, the many notorious Falshoods and Misrepresentations of a Book called Pamela, Are exposed and refuted; and all the matchless Arts of that young Politician, set in a true and just Light. Together with A full Account of all that passed between her and Parson Arthur Williams; whose Character is represented in a manner something different from that which he bears in Pamela. The whole being exact Copies of authentick Papers delivered to the Editor. Necessary to be had in all Families.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
